The young boy had a mission to complete. As the stars winked above, he carefully slipped out of the training grounds, his heart pounding. The night air was cool against his skin, and a flicker of excitement danced in his eyes.
Unbeknownst to him, his movements had not gone unnoticed. A wise older man, Master Ta, stood silently in the shadows, his watchful eyes trained on the young adventurer.
"BOY!"
The older man's voice pierced the air as he yelled, instantly capturing the young boy's attention.
With a knowing smile, he stepped forward, towering over the boy, blocking his path as the boy stayed frozen at the position of attention. Arms locked to their sides, feet attached, chin pointing towards the celestial orbs shimmering above.
The old man had his officer robe on. It was a striking combination of black and purple, exuding an air of elegance and authority. Its sleek design featured intricate gold lining that traced the edges, adding a touch of regality to the ensemble. The black fabric draped over the shoulders, allowing his long white hair to demand focus. The vibrant purple accents brought a sense of sophistication and flair to the uniform, creating a commanding presence for those who wore it.
"Ah, my eager pupil," Master Ta said, his voice gentle yet firm… now. "What brings you out here in the dead of night? The training grounds are not a place for young boys to wander freely."
Startled, the boy's mind raced, searching for an explanation. "Master Ta!" he exclaimed, feigning surprise. "I was searching for you. I wanted to seek your guidance on an important matter."
Master Ta raised an eyebrow, the scar above it following. His expression was curious yet cautious. "Is that so?"
"Hmm."
"Relax; what matter weighs so heavily on your mind that you would venture out at this hour?"
Taking a deep breath, the trainee allowed his body to unwind, easing out of that rigid stance. The boy continued with his deception. "I find myself torn, Master. Between the path of a soldier and that of a hunter. I am at a crossroads and sought your wisdom to help me decide."
Master Ta's gaze softened as he listened intently. "Ah, the choices we must make in life. Both paths hold their own merits, young ones. As a soldier, you defend our village, protecting it from external threats. But as a hunter, you safeguard our sustenance, providing for the very core of our existence."
Master Ta's words echoed the thoughts that had plagued his mind for weeks. He hadn't come seeking guidance, but now the truth seemed to unravel before him. He felt compelled to share his true intentions.
"Master," the boy began hesitantly, "I must confess, there is more to my late-night excursion. I am not here to seek your guidance alone. I have something else hidden away, something I believe will bring joy to my friends."
Master Ta's eyes twinkled with curiosity, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. "Oh? And what might that be, young spear?"
Drawing a deep breath, the boy pulled out a concealed bag beneath his cloak, revealing a bottle of wine. "I ventured into the cellar under the training grounds. I secured this, hoping to surprise my friends with a taste of something beyond our usual fare."
Master Ta's surprise quickly transformed into amusement. Chuckling softly, he gazed at the boy with pride and understanding. "Little sword, my loyal pupil, you are a resourceful young soul. Your willingness to go to such lengths to bring your comrades joy is a testament to your character."
The boy's eyes widened, relieved to find acceptance instead of admonishment. "Master Ta, does this mean you won't stop me?"
Master Ta nodded, his gaze filled with both respect and wisdom. "I will let you go. Take this opportunity to bring laughter and happiness to your friends' hearts. You all will have your names soon and will join the ranks. Times like this will be important in the future. Your loyalty to the village is admirable and will serve you well no matter your path."
With gratitude shining in his eyes, the boy bowed deeply to his master. "Thank you, Master Ta, for understanding. I promise to carry your teachings with me always."
Relief from the encounter, the boy tries to walk straight while leaving his master's presence, fighting the urge to release a day's worth of hydration from fear alone. Once he believed he was free from Master Ta's gaze, he began running through the small trees and heading back to the huts.